Steelers vs. Colts: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Steelers Must Make

In a Sunday night game most pundits figured to be a blowout, the Colts have kept it competitive with the Steelers. With the Colts leading 13-10 at halftime, here are five things the Steelers need to focus on moving forward.

Protect Big Ben

Ben may be a big presence in the pocket, but any QB would have trouble holding onto the ball when blindsided from behind. Clearly, Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert are outmatched at the line, but they can’t afford to let either of the Colts' explosive defensive ends get such a clear shot at Roethlisberger. The dangerous Mathis-Freeney twosome already has a forced fumble apiece.

Mike Wallace

On the opening drive, it only took three plays to show Mike Wallace’s clear advantage over the Colts' banged up secondary. Two possessions later, Wallace solidified his edge on deep balls with an 81-yard hookup with Big Ben for Pittsburgh’s first TD. His streak with 100 or more yards in consecutive games is at six. The real question is if he can break 200 tonight.    

More Mendenhall

Mendenhall has struggled mightily on the ground thus far. The O-line needs to do a better job giving him some more breathing room to keep the Colts’ dangerous pass-rush away from Roethlisberger.

Continue Blitzing Early

Kerry Collins has historically done well against the Steelers in his career. He has played true to his reputation tonight in Indy—that is, when he’s had time to throw out of the pocket. When the Steelers have blitzed, the pressure has rushed him into several throws that have gone incomplete. Bottom line, keep pressuring the veteran quarterback.

Keep Spreading the Love

Big Ben has done a superb job finding all of his targets. With Mike Wallace bullying the Colts’ reserve secondary downfield, Ben has been able to mix in completions to six different targets. Keep spreading the love.